Opened in 1992, the museum has been active as a theme museum on castles and archaeology, introducing four historical sites, including the ruins of Azuchi Castle. On the occasion of the 450th anniversary of the construction of Azuchi Castle, the museum has been reborn as a base for disseminating information and attractions on the theme of Azuchi Castle, Oda Nobunaga and the Warring States period from 2025.
About us
The Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum is a historical museum in Shiga Prefecture, where visitors can learn about the Azuchi Castle built by Oda Nobunaga and the history and culture of the Warring States period in Japan(15th-16th century).
Visitors can deepen their knowledge of life at the time and Oda Nobunaga’s achievements by looking at artefacts excavated from the ruins of the castle and a large model of the castle.
With exhibitions and hands-on activities that children can enjoy, this facility brings history closer to home.
Special Exhibitions and Feature Exhibitions
The planning display Exhibition Room holds special exhibitions twice a year (spring and autumn) and a variety of feature exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of exhibitions on the history of Japanese castles and the Warring States period, as well as archaeological materials, old documents and arts and crafts.
Permanent Exhibitions
In the Permanent Display Room No.1(Theater Room）, high-definition CG images are shown in an octagonal theatre that resembles the main keep of Azuchi Castle. In the film, Oda Nobunaga talks about the purpose of building the castle in Azuchi Castle, which has been reconstructed using the latest research findings. The Permanent Display Room No.2 displays the history of castles in Japan, the results of excavations at the Azuchi Castle site and the castle’s owner, Oda Nobunaga. Castles were built as temporary fortifications for warfare, but developed into large-scale facilities in the 15th and 16th centuries. Among the most important castles was Azuchi Castle, which perfected the style of early modern castles with its high stone walls and the catsle tower.
Outdoor Exhibits
Facilities
Former Azuchi police station (Prefecturally designated cultural property).
It was built in 1885 near the current Azuchi Station as the Jorakuji Police Station, serving the three villages of Kaneda, Shima and Azuchi. It is a two-storey wooden building with a tiled roof, and in some places the design was taken from Western architecture.
Stone Lanterns, Signposts, Vehicle stones and Foundation Stones
Two stone lanterns, one signpost, 14 car stones and two foundation stones are on display. One of the stone lanterns bears an inscription dated 1697 and the other 1794. The signposts were erected at the junction of the Tokaido Highway and the Fushimi Highway during the18th-19th century of Edo period in Japan.Vehicle stone(Japanese: Kuruma-ishi )were the stones paving part of the Tokaido Highway during Edo period. The foundation stones were excavated at the site of an ancient government office and temple.
Former Ryugen School (Prefecturally designated cultural property)
The oldest school building in Shiga Prefecture, built in 1876 as a primary school building in Shin Asahi-cho, Takashima. At first glance, it appears to be a Western-style building, but it has many elements of Japanese architecture, such as tiled and shingled roofs and plastered walls. Such buildings are known as ‘quasi-Western architecture’ and were built in large numbers during the Meiji era.
The former residence of the Miyaji family (Important Cultural Asset).
This private house was built in 1754 in Kunitomo-machi, Nagahama. It is divided into three large sections and is typical of farmhouses in the Northern areas of Shiga Prefecture.
Opening Hours and Admission Fees
Opening Hours
9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.(entrance until 4:30p.m.).
Closed
Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday or holiday), 28 Dec – 4 Jan.
Fees
| Subjects | Normal fee | Fees during Feature Exhibitions |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 600 yen (480 yen) | 660 yen (530yen) |
| University students | 360 yen (290 yen) | 400yen (330 yen) |
※ Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more. ※ Special exhibitions are priced separately.
■Free for elementary, junior high and high school students
■Free for disabled persons and residents aged 65 and over living in the prefecture (but a certificate or similar is required).
Access
Shiga Prefectural Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum
6678 Shimotoira, Azuchi-cho, Omihachiman, Shiga 521-1311
By train
25-minute walk from the south exit of Azuchi Station on the JR Biwako Line. 10 minutes by rented bicycle. 6 minutes by taxi.
Bicycle rental
Bicycles can be rented from Azuchi Station.
Taxis are available.
■Shiga Daiichi Kotsu Co.
■Omi Taxi Co.
By car
40 minutes from the Ryuoh Interchange on the Meishin Expressway, 25 minutes from the Yokaichi Interchange.
Turn right at the Kaga Danchiguchi intersection via the Nisyourai intersection on National Highway No. 8.
Parking: free of charge (if you are coming with a large bus, please contact us in advance).
By bus
No service on Sundays and public holidays. 14 mins from Azuchi Station South Square by community bus (Akakon Bus) with 4 services per day.
